What is the role of acetylcholinesterase?
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a cholinergic enzyme primarily found at postsynaptic neuromuscular junctions, especially in muscles and nerves. It immediately breaks down or hydrolyzes acetylcholine (ACh), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, into acetic acid and choline.
What are the anticholinesterase drugs?
Anticholinesterases are drugs that prolong the existence of acetylcholine after it is released from cholinergic nerve endings by inhibiting both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. They are two types: prosthetic and acid-transferring.
What are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used for?
The main use of cholinesterase inhibitors is for the treatment of dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease have reduced levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Cholinesterase inhibitors have been shown to have a modest effect on dementia symptoms such as cognition.
What causes acetylcholinesterase?
Acetylcholinesterase is secreted by the muscle and remains attached to it by collagen fastened to the basal lamina. ACh molecules that do not bind immediately with a receptor or those released after reacting with a receptor are hydrolyzed almost instantly (in less than 1 msec) by acetylcholinesterase.
What happens when acetylcholinesterase is blocked?
The inhibition of the enzyme leads to accumulation of ACh in the synaptic cleft resulting in over-stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptors and impeded neurotransmission. The typical symptoms of acute poisoning are agitation, muscle weakness, muscle fasciculations, miosis, hypersalivation, sweating.
How is acetylcholinesterase regulated?
Acetylcholinesterase in skeletal muscle is regulated in part by muscle activity.
Is atropine an anticholinesterase?
Atropine is indicated for the treatment of poisoning by susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having anticholinesterase activity as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides in adults and pediatric patients weighing more than 41 kg (90 pounds).
Is tolterodine an anticholinergic?
Tolterodine tartrate is marketed as a bladder-selective anticholinergic drug that is reported to be free of significant cognitive adverse effects.
What would happen if acetylcholinesterase is inhibited?
How does acetylcholinesterase treat myasthenia gravis?
An enzyme called acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine. Some drugs that are used to treat myasthenia gravis act on acetylcholinesterase to stop the breakdown of acetylcholine. These acetylcholinesterase inhibitors increase the amount of acetylcholine available and so help muscle activation and contraction.